What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia?

Posted on Thu, 15 Oct 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 15 Oct 2015 Answered on

Thu, 12 Nov 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : What are symptoms for fibromyalgia? What are treatments?
When I was young I used to get these symptoms: lethargy, sleepiness, depression with crying at times, achy joints all the time going to grad school, but it interfered with trying to work. At the time I was given a blood test, but all that was found was the Epstein-Barr antibodies which some people think is the case.

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
symptoms and tender points

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
There is not a specific test for fibromyalgia. It is diagnosed by tender points and symptoms. Symptoms are pain all over, problems with sleep and fatigue. Depression, irritability and weakness are also possible. There is a group of 18 tender points that when your doctor examines you, you would need to be tender in 11 of them to have the diagnosis.
Treatment involves medications, exercise, physical therapy and improvement of sleep patterns. It is best for you to see a doctor that specializes in fibromyalgia, such as a rheumatologist, to get the most comprehensive care.
I wish you the best,
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar